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With BenQ DW1655 gone, starting over to choose drive

PostPosted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 4:07 pm
by DougA
Now that the BenQ DW1655 is nowhere to be found, i'm back to square one choosing a drive. What i'd like is a solid performer, reliable. With Lightscribe feature and DL. Also, available in black, with retail package containing Nero (first dvd drive, need software too)

Looking at reviews, i've come across a few potentials
Samsung SH-W162L
LG GSA-4166B
Philips DVDR16LS

Suggestions, comments, better choice ?

Thanks all.

PostPosted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 4:39 pm
by kirpen
I'm also in the market for a new drive. I need something that works well on both -/+ media. Right now I have a 1620 and a 811s. The 811 has got to go since its doing 2-2.4x on the 16 media I feed it.

PostPosted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 5:08 pm
by [buck]
Depending on how much you're willing pay, it may be worth looking on ebay for a DW1655. You're looking at ~$65 shipped for a DW1655 with software off ebay. Also, you can still find DW1650 rebadges (DW1655 minus the Lightscribe) at many US retailers for ~$40-50. Rebadged DW1655s may or may not be still be available. bill would probably be able to tell you more :)

Of the options you have listed, the only one I find even slightly appealing is the Philips drive, which just happens to be a DW1625 in disguise. Are you sure this drive is still available?

PostPosted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 5:22 pm
by DougA
[buck] wrote:Of the options you have listed, the only one I find even slightly appealing is the Philips drive, which just happens to be a DW1625 in disguise. Are you sure this drive is still available?


That's good to know, (and no, don't know if it's even available) ... looks like my list has gone back to none again :(
Back to the reviews....
Thanks

PostPosted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:02 pm
by MonsterMan
Samsung's 18x Lightscribe drive is nice...

PostPosted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 1:38 am
by Bhairav
How about the new Pio 111 or LG H10A/N? Both are good drives as well.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 2:59 am
by TheWizard
Bhairav wrote:How about the new Pio 111 or LG H10A/N? Both are good drives as well.


I agree, although do these drives have Lightscribe? :)

BTW, I second the Samsung SH-S182M. Even the OEM Samsung drives come with Nero Express, so you don't necessarily need a retail package. I purchased mine from Newegg, if that helps.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 3:52 am
by dodecahedron
TheWizard wrote:
Bhairav wrote:How about the new Pio 111 or LG H10A/N? Both are good drives as well.

I agree, although do these drives have Lightscribe? :)

the LG GSA-H10L is a H10N+LightScribe.
it also comes (if i recall correctly) with Nero Express as part of the software package.
but i'm not sure. if you want i'll check it again.

PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:50 am
by Bhairav
TheWizard wrote:
Bhairav wrote:How about the new Pio 111 or LG H10A/N? Both are good drives as well.


I agree, although do these drives have Lightscribe? :)



Ack, thanks for pointing that out! :oops:
That's what you get from seeing too many "What DVD writer to buy?" threads..

PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 12:16 pm
by DougA
Bhairav wrote:That's what you get from seeing too many "What DVD writer to buy?" threads..


You know, PC Maximum has a monthly side bar of "best of", I wonder if this forum could keep a "Top 6 (or 10) choices" of what they would rate the current best choices are. With maybe a short recap of pro/con's and extra features. Links to reviews would really be neat.

Sure would help all of us who are simply looking for some suggestions.

As I'm thinking of this, another list that would also be very useful is a "Stay away from" ... kind of a -- you don't want one of these.

PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 5:38 pm
by Justin42
The LG H10L is a pretty amazing drive all around, the only thing missing is no DVD quality scanning... but does do Lightscribe and the like.

I think it came with Nero Express-- I just took the disc out and put it aside since I didn't need any of it and used the Lightscribe drivers off the LS site...

PostPosted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 6:40 am
by TheWizard
DougA wrote:You know, PC Maximum has a monthly side bar of "best of", I wonder if this forum could keep a "Top 6 (or 10) choices" of what they would rate the current best choices are. With maybe a short recap of pro/con's and extra features. Links to reviews would really be neat.


You're in luck, Doug! CDRLabs does have a monthly poll for DVD burners, complete with commentary from users of the writers. Check out this thread. :wink:

PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 11:01 pm
by XeoNoX
i just today got a benq 1655 for $54 out the door.

have 3 never used

PostPosted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 6:07 pm
by seanc
I have three DW1655's that I purchased for a duplicator project that didn't happen. If interested, send a pm.

PostPosted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 11:44 pm
by XeoNoX
People can still get the 1655 under the IO MAGIC brand at office max or staples.